Up to 16 migrants have lost their lives in shipwrecks off the coasts of Tunisia and Western Sahara, officials confirmed on Monday. This tragic development highlights the escalating challenges faced by North Africa as it grapples with a surge in sea crossings aimed at reaching Europe. The North African coastline has evolved into a primary conduit for irregular migrants and asylum seekers, predominantly originating from other parts of the continent. According to Faouzi Masmoudi, a spokesperson for a local court, a shipwreck off the coast of Sfax, Tunisia’s second-largest city, resulted in the deaths of at least 11 migrants. An additional 44 individuals remain missing, while two survivors were rescued from the vessel carrying a total of 57 people—all hailing from sub-Saharan African countries.

Source: The North Africa Journal August 08, 2023 05:57 UTC